Many folks will remember Suzi Quatro as Leather Tuscadero on television’s Happy Days. Music lovers know Suzi had a legacy much bigger than the leather-clad singer who performed at Arnold’s Place.

I have been a fan of the musical pioneer for many years, owning albums prior to her acting debut. When Covid hit and Zoom interviews became a thing, I started pursuing Quatro. After a few pleas and scheduling issues, I finally had my chance. I wouldn’t say I was nervous, but I was very antsy leading into this interview. I have done 1,400+ interviews in my career, but this one was 40 years in the making.

Born into a musical family, Quatro started performing at an early age, first as part of her father’s jazz band and later with her sisters. Quatro told me she learned performing in front of her family garnered her attention. That lesson extended to other audiences, too and has worked for half a century of Quatro performances. After moving to England in the early 1970s, Quatro ventured on her own.

Quatro hit No. 1 in England with “Rolling Stone,” her first single. She followed it with “Can the Can,’ hitting No. 1 in parts of Europe and Australia. “Can the Can” was the first Quatro song I heard and I was hooked. By then, she was already on her way to being regarded as the Queen of Rock and Roll.

Her role as Leather came about by happenstance. Producer Garry Marshall saw a poster of her in his daughter’s room and called her for an audition. Paying her own way, Quatro showed up in her usual leather attire, which Marshall thought was for the role, not realizing Quatro actually was Leather, before there was a “Leather.” She was perfect for the role, making seven appearances and being offered a spinoff, which she turned down. She said although she loved the character ad cast, she did not want to continue playing the part. She has remained close to her co-stars, particularly Henry Winkler and Ron Howard.

In fact, when I interviewed Winkler last year at Fan Expo, Winkler’s face lit up when I mentioned interviewing Quatro. Calling her a “wonderful” person and “such a powerful force,” Winkler praised Quatro.

In the decades since, Quatro continued making music and performing all over the world. While the pandemic put a halt to her touring, Quatro’s creativity was not diminished. She might have been busier than ever, writing books, working on an album with her son, posting positive messages on social media and more. Despite it being a creative period, Quatro was anxious to get back on the road, where she feels most comfortable. As the world opened, Quatro took her leather on the road, delighting audiences again.

Quatro discussed all of this in our interview. She talked about labels, traveling, family and much more.

A Detroit-native, Quatro has a goal of playing one specific venue in Motown. If she ever gets there, she promised me a seat and I will make the 250 mile trek to see her.

Nearing the end of the interview, I felt sadness. The kid in me was talking to one of my music idols. Back then, I could never imagine having this opportunity. This will forever be one of my favorites and I hope you enjoy learning a little about the “Queen of Rock and Roll.”